The final details are beginning to lock into place at Planet Comicon Kansas City and you’re going to hear from us more frequently as we get closer and closer to next week’s comic and pop culture party, one of the largest in the nation!

As many of you veterans and superfans know, our guests make extraordinary sacrifices to carve out time from their busy shooting and appearance schedules to join us at Planet Comicon, and sometimes changes are unavoidable. However, we have good news! A number of our guests have actually extended the time they’ll be spending with us next weekend. Here are the details…

Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery, The Walking Dead) will now be appearing on Friday and Saturday, a slight change from her previous Saturday/Sunday schedule.

Trish Stratus and Amy “Lita” Dumas, two dynamite divas of the ring and WWE Hall of Famers were set to appear to only appear on Saturday and Sunday. They will now be at the show for ALL THREE DAYS!

John Cusack (High Fidelity, Say Anything) was previously scheduled for only Saturday afternoon and early Sunday but now will be appearing for the majority of both Saturday and Sunday!

Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War) has now confirmed that she will be at the show all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Remember: we have special admission prices and membership discounts for active military, teachers, and librarians…and children ages 7 and under are FREE!

Have App, Will Travel: Download the Official 2018 Planet Comicon Kansas City Mobile App!

The Planet Comicon Kansas City app is your ultimate guide to Kansas City’s fantastic, fun-filled festival for fans of all ages and it’s back for 2018.

This carefully crafted pocket pal includes a list of all schedules as well as details on celebrities, comics creators, cosplayers, and more. Create your own schedule, get the latest news and updates during Planet Comicon, and check out all the necessary show details to make your visit to our world as perfect as possible. Get it in the App Store or on Google Play.

A Planet-sized Deal for our GoComics Fans!

All Planet Comicon Kansas City attendees can save 25% off any item in the GoComics Store! Find your happy place with icons like Foxtrot, Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield and Peanuts, as well as modern classics like Fowl Language, Sarah’s Scribbles, The Awkward Yeti, and many more.

Planet Comicon Kansas City Pro Tip No. 42

Don’t get left out in the cold: So you’ve got your admission wristband, now it’s time to get in line. Planet Comicon Kansas City is all about making the fan experience a positive one and in 2018 that includes queuing for the show indoors. The line will form in the 2200 Lobby and be extended through the Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium for all waiting guests. Don’t worry about the weather and please know we’ll do our absolute best to get you into Planet Comicon Kansas City in a timely and efficient manner!

Long Beach Comic Expo 2018 has announced their programming schedule for next weekend’s convention on February 17-18th! Highlights include a spotlight on Don McGregor, Strangers Things’ Joe Keery, a trivia showdown with Mark Waid, animation legend Andrea Romano, and an examination of the Black Panther’s big screen debut.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH

COMICS, COMICS, COMICS! (ROOM 103AB)

11:00am – 12:00pmGeeks Got Your Back

Anti-harassment has become a hot topic within the geek community over the last several years. Whether it is anti-harassment policies or grassroots awareness (such as Cosplay Is Not Consent), more and more geeks are looking for ways to make the geek community a better place to everyone. Come join us as we discuss ways in which we can all just be a little more excellent to each other.

12:00pm – 1:00pmKing of the Jungle: Don McGregor Spotlight

Acclaimed writer DonMcGregor, whose groundbreaking work on Black Panther including titles such as JUNGLE ACTION lead to him be one of the inspirations for the current hit Marvel movie. McGregor makes a rare West Coast appearance as LBCE’s first ever Guest of Honor. This spotlight panel explores more than just his Panther work, including SABRE (one of the first-ever graphic novels), RAGAMUFFINS, DETECTIVES, INC., ZORRO, JAMES BOND, and NATHANIEL DUSK!

1:00pm- 2:00pmFanbase Press Presents: The Impact of Latinx Creators and Readers on Comics

QUINCE is a 15-issue comics series (being released in English and Spanish) about a teenager who discovers she has superpowers at her quinceañera. COMADRES Y COMICS is a podcast hosted by three Latina women hoping to highlight the role that Latinos have in the comic book industry as creators, consumers, and fans. Join QUINCE creator Sebastian Kadlecik and COMADRES Y COMICS hosts Kristen Parraz, Sara Bazan, and Jennifer Lopez; and journalist/creator Jennifer de Guzman for a discussion and Q&A session moderated by Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief).

2:00pm – 3:00pmJuicy Ink: Tori Gedvillas Spotlight

An independent illustrator who loves to spread happiness and inspire future artists through her work, Tori Gedvillas has published over 150 videos to YouTube, and amassed a following of over 240,000 on Instagram and 160,000 on YouTube. Working across a wide variety of mediums, Tori uses YouTube and Instagram to share her work and the joy her art-school education has brought her. Discover this unique talent in Tori’s first Long Beach appearance.

3:00pm – 4:00pmWe Are HUMANOIDS: A 20th Anniversary Celebration

Legendary publisher Humanoids comes to Long Beach Comic Expo for the first time ever! Kick off the 20th anniversary celebration of Humanoids’ first publication in the U.S. and learn about the exciting plans we have for the future. New imprints! New creators! New Year! All attendees will be entered into an exclusive raffle for a chance to win free Limited Hardcover editions of some of the hottest Humanoids titles. Moebius? Jodorowsky? How can you resist? The panel will also feature a portfolio review for aspiring creators. Ask yourself… are you a “Humanoid”?

4:00pm – 5:00pmShelfing Yourself – Adventures in Self-publishing

Join comics entrepreneurs Buddy Scalera, Dean Haspiel, Barbara Randall Kesel and Neo Edmund for an insider’s view of the joys and perils of making your own books!

A look at the “sword and sandal” genre of stories (once called “peplums”) that was a huge part of popular culture in the 1950s and ’60s – inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies – and has been reinvigorated in the modern day by the addition of sorcery and other-worldly settings. Fanbase Press Editorials Manager Michele Brittany is joined by creators and experts to discuss the history of the genre and explore its legacy in stories that entertain comic book readers today.

6:00pm – 7:00pmModern Horror: Stories that Go Bump in the Night

For over half a century, horror comics have told smart, scary, darkly witty stories by some of the best creators in the business. Now some of those creators – including Guest of Honor Don McGregor, HIGH MOON’s David Gallaher and Steve Ellis, and writer Shannon Eric Denton (THE X-FILES)– take part in a ghastly discussion of a genre that includes ATTACK ON TITAN, THE WALKING DEAD, HELLBOY, and more! It might just give you nightmares! Parental discretion is advised.

Cosplay Comedy is a unique comedy show where stand-ups perform their sets in costume and in-character! See your favorite heroes and villains say all the hilarious things you WISH they’d say in pulp and on the screen. Quite possibly the nerdiest and most distinctive comedy show in LA! Featuring some of the geekiest comics from the Los Angeles comedy scene!

12:00pm – 1:00pmBat in the Sun Presents!

Take part in a live Q&A with the cast and crew of Bat in the Sun as they talk about upcoming projects including SUPER POWER BEAT DOWN and NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE!

1:00pm – 2:00pmPlus-Size Cosplay: Helpful Do’s and Don’ts

Learn about proper costume fitting, design, and styles for plus-sized cosplayers, including poses that better work for plus-size people and how to flash up designs and costumes to hide embarrassing areas. We’ll be talking about the overall cosplay designs for all types of larger-sized cosplayers.

2:00pm – 3:00pmRise of the On-Screen Black Superhero

Are BLACK PANTHER and BLACK LIGHTNING the new normal or just a momentary trend? And what about other races and ethnicities and the “white washing” seen in recent superhero and science-fiction movies? Join writers Matt Wayne (CANNON BUSTERS), EvanNarcisse (RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER, io9), and MarcBernardin (CASTLE ROCK, co-host of FATMAN ON BATMAN) in a thought-provoking panel led by journalist Jennifer de Guzman.

3:00pm- 4:00pmAndrea Romano: Director of a Thousand Voices

An interactive panel with legendary voice and casting director AndreaRomano, an eight-time Emmy Award winner whose decades-long career includes BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, THE LEGEND OF KORRA, JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED, TEEN TITANS, PINKY AND THE BRAIN, and more!

4:00pm – 5:00pmAsk Mark Waid EVERYTHING

More than just a trivia panel, more than just a spotlight… or is it both? Award-winning comics writer Mark Waid (ARCHIE, AVENGERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA, KINGDOM COME, THE FLASH, SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT, and more) will answer any question, from obscure Silver Age Superman trivia to “where do you get your ideas?”

5:00pm – 6:00pmAm I Allowed To Like ANYTHING? Loving What You Love in the Golden Age of Geek

For fans of superheroes, science fiction, animation, and cosplay, it’s a golden age. But hand-in-hand with geek domination of the popular arts has come a very hostile environment for being openly enthusiastic about your favorite things. You thought JUSTICE LEAGUE was better than THOR: RAGNAROK? Can’t wait to see a Quentin Tarantino STAR TREK? Like Superman better without the red shorts? Join writers and artists (and fellow fans) Mark Waid, Marc Bernardin, Ramon Gil, and Logan Lubera for a guilt-free celebration of the things LBCE and its attendees love most.

7:00pmCosplay Contest!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH

COMICS, COMICS, COMICS! (ROOM 103AB)

11:00am – 12:00pmHey! Kids’ Comics!

The creators of some of today’s best-known comics for kids (of all ages) take part in a memorable LBCE panel. MY LITTLE PONY’s TonyFleecs, recent Eisner Award nominee Norm Harper (RIKKI), and Director of Programming Ivan Cohen (TEEN TITANS GO!) talk about telling stories for some of comics’ most hard-to-please readers.

12:00pm – 1:00pmBLACK PANTHER: The Writers’ Room

With the release of BLACK PANTHER the week before Long Beach Comic Expo bringing the King of Wakanda to new prominence, we’ve gathered some of the character’s top writers – Expo Guest of Honor Don McGregor (JUNGLE ACTION and the new BLACK PANTHER ANNUAL), CREED co-screenwriter Aaron Covington (BLACK PANTHER: LONG LIVE THE KING), and Evan Narcisse (RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER) – to talk about the excitement and challenges of telling stories of a character whose prominence and presence have gone beyond comics alone.

1:00pm- 2:00pmTo the Stars! Science Fiction

Creators with one foot in both worlds discuss the differences between creating science fiction for comic book projects and other media. With Barbara Randall Kesel, Marc Bernardin, Jennifer DeGuzman, Cecil Castellucci, and David Gallaher.

2:00pm – 3:30pmStorytelling on the Page

The breakthrough panel from last year’s New Jersey Comic Expo makes its Long Beach debut! Top comic artists work from the same script to demonstrate – in real time – how to break down a comic book story. Gain new insights into how to both write and draw a page from beginning to end. Artists Scott Koblish (DEADPOOL), Drew Johnson (WONDER WOMAN, MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: THE BLACK LAKE), and Steve Ellis (THE ONLY LIVING BOY) work from a script by Frank Tieri (HARLEY QUINN). Hosted by Buddy Scalera (DEADPOOL) of Comic Book School. Sponsored by Marvy/Uchida markers.

MAIN STAGE (ROOM 104A)

11:30am – 12:30pmHow to Get Started in Cosplay at 30, 40, or 50 Years Old

How do I get started in this great hobby? How do I find my character? Where do I find supplies? Steve Gonzales is a 60-year-old cosplayer who has won many awards for his cosplay and wants to share his experience as an older adult starting and creating cosplays and having fun!

Join a group of experienced web-comics creators – including Dean Haspiel (THE RED HOOK, WAR CRY) – as they celebrate and discuss the exciting world of webcomics! Any webcomic creators in the audience will get thirty seconds to promote their comic to the crowd. All creators and fans are welcome!

1:30pm – 2:30pmPolitics and Pop Culture

How do politics and popular culture depend on each other? An in-depth discussion explores political satire, comedy sketches, and the world of politics and explores what the interconnections mean for government and pop culture going forward.

2:30pm- 3:30pmFanbase Press Presents: STAR WARS: Themes of Legacy

Long ago on a desert planet far, far away, audiences were first introduced to Luke Skywalker and the Jedi legacy that had been passed down through generations. This hero’s journey and its long-lasting impact have resonated with audiences on a grand scale over the past forty years in movies, television, books, comics, and more. Writers from the STAR WARS universe – among them Cecil Castellucci (MOVING TARGET: A PRINCESS LEIA ADVENTURE), legendary artist Michael Golden (who also wrote the recent STAR WARS #38), Chris Thorne (TOPPS’ STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI TRADING CARDS) and Kevin Wetmore (EMPIRE TRIUMPHANT: RACE, RELIGION AND REBELLION IN THE STAR WARS FILMS) – join Fanbase Press Editorials Manager Michelle Brittany for a wide-ranging discussion.

3:30pm – 4:30pmCosplay Is not Consent

A panel led by sex-educator Michelle LaBelle featuring burlesque performer Tas Deville, cosplayer The LadyKaylah, and cosplayer and fashion designer Arilith. This panel will discuss proper personal etiquette while at a convention interacting with cosplayers as well as covering consent awareness/protocol and understanding for all humans out in their personal lives. The world is changing: learn how to support your friends and be part of the solution and not the problem. *Trigger Warning* topics covered will be thorough and potentially graphic.

Long Beach Comic Expo is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center each spring. It’s a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic Expo you’ll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs, guest signings and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. For more specific information about the show, please check out the FAQ. Long Beach Comic Expo is a MAD Event Management, LLC production.

Granite State Comic Fest is happy to announce that superstar artist Ed McGuinness (artist Deadpool, Superman/Batman, Hulk, Amazing X-Men, Nova, and many, many more) will be joining us on Sunday April 22nd!

Author Brad Meltzer (Justice League of America, Identity Crisis, Green Arrow) appears at the Parma Snow Library on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 7:00 PM to present and sign his new thriller, The Escape Artist!

Brad Meltzer is the New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle and several other top selling political thrillers. In addition to his fiction, Brad has been on the bestseller list for his nonfiction, advice, children’s books, and graphic books. He is the host of Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and Brad Meltzer’s Lost History on H2. He earned his law degree from Columbia University, where he was on the Columbia Law Review.

Kevin Smith and JasonMewes appear at the Fillmore Detroit on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM!

The hilarious duo of Jay & Silent Bob are finally back together. Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and accumulated fans all over the world with the characters Jay & Silent Bob from the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Clerks 2. And now you can see them live in your hometown recording their comedy podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old.

Ranked #1 on iTunes Comedy podcasts, this is a sometimes touching, and always hilarious look at what happens when two people grow up in Hollywood’s gaze. These limited engagements will be recorded as the stories evolve live in front of the audience, and released for free on www.smodcast.com.

This is what fans everywhere have been waiting for – an opportunity to see their heroes on stage doing what they love, telling stories. Get your tickets now before it’s too late! Jay & Silent Bob are dying, watch it as it happens!

HeroesCon 2018 will be held on June 15-17, 2018! We are still confirming guests and updating our website! New guests are added to the list semi-weekly! Get your tickets for the America’s Favorite COMIC Convention today!

BUYING AN ADVANCE PASS MEANS YOU’LL GET ANY ADVANCE INCENTIVES WE OFFER, FREE!

ENTRY WILL BE $25: FRI $25: SAT $20: SUN / AT THE SHOW ITSELF, SO YOU SAVE AS MUCH AS $20 BY PURCHASING ADVANCE PASSES TODAY! TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WE MAY CREDIT AN UNUSABLE TICKET TOWARD FUTURE TICKET PURCHASES.

HEROES CONVENTION was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from all over the world to the Charlotte Convention Center.

Have you heard what we have right around the corner? It’s WonderCon Anaheim time! Yes, we’re the people who bring you Comic-Con in San Diego, and now we’re focused on our big show up the freeway. WonderCon Anaheim will be Friday through Sunday, March 23rd to March 25th at the newly remodeled Anaheim Convention Center.

If you’re a time lord calm one of your hearts, we also have hundreds of hours of programming featuring special presentations from AMC, DC, Freeform, Marvel Television, NBC TV, Sony TV, SYFY, WB Home Entertainment and WB TV which makes WonderCon Anaheim THE show you don’t want to miss!

Like Comic-Con, badges are only available online and do sell out (don’t worry, we haven’t made it a lottery system yet). Be sure to purchase your badges now while all badge types are still available.

We are thrilled to announce that RAY FISHER (aka Cyborg) is headed to Cleveland, Portland, and Philly!

Ray Fisher is a stage and screen actor from New Jersey, most recently seen as Victor Stone (aka Cyborg) in Justice League and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Fisher’s theatre work includes his portrayal of Muhammed Ali in The New York Theatre Workshop’s Off-Broadway production of Will Power’s Fetch Clay, Make Man as well as stints with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and various regional theatres across the US.

CATHERINE HICKS who starred as “Andy’s” mom “Karen Barclay” in the original “Child’s Play” film, also starred in many films and TV series including “7th Heaven”, “Ryan’s Hope”, “The Bad News Bears”, “Death Valley”, “Fever Pitch”, and more recently “Honeymoon From Hell” and “After the Rain”.

ALEX VINCENT is one of our favorite Spooky regulars, who you probably best known for his role as “Andy Barclay” in the Child’s Play film series including “Child’s Play”, “Child’s Play 2”, “Curse of Chucky”, and most recently “Cult of Chucky”. He’s also appeared in “House Guest”, “Dead Country” and “The Dark Military”.

Meet CATHERINE HICKS, ALEX VINCENT and even CHUCKY at Spooky Empire, April 6-8, 2018 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort!

Jim Lee, superstar creator and DC Comics Co-Publisher, announced on his Facebook page that he will appear at Earth-2 Comics on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM with his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop to sell cookies and sign comics.